What is GACC Registration?

GACC Registration is a mandatory requirement for foreign food manufacturers, exporters, and storage facilities intending to export to China. It is regulated by the General Administration of Customs China (GACC).

What are the benefits of GACC Registration?

It allows food exporters to legally enter the Chinese market, builds trust with Chinese importers, and ensures compliance with food safety regulations in China.

How long does the GACC Registration process take?

The typical processing time for GACC Registration is around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the product category and documentation provided.

Is GACC Registration mandatory for all food products?

Yes, it is required for all manufacturers and exporters of food products to China as per the regulations enforced from January 1, 2022.

support@psrcompliance.com +91 87961 04190 WhatsApp

Step-by-Step GACC Registration Guide (2026 Update) — Food Products Export to China

We are well-versed in Chinese customs access, product compliance laws, and regulations. Our team maintains strong communication with international food safety regulatory agencies, helping overseas manufacturers achieve compliance with official standards and procedures. This ensures quick access to the Chinese market, boosting your competitive edge. Our Services:

Shipper Record Management
GACC Registration
Food Compliance Assistance

Schedule a Call

Google Reviews

4.8

42804

Happy Clients

3500

Expert Advisors

50

Branch Offices

Consultation By Expert

Overview of GACC Registration

It should be noted that GACC registration is mandatory for all foreign enterprises which seek to export their products to China. The main condition for importing goods into the country is the need to register the manufacture with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC). China is among the largest markets in the world for food imports, and there is a strict control of food products by the country's customs services to ensure their safety, cleanliness, and correct labeling. Without a legitimate GACC number, there is a possibility that the cargo will be delayed, refused, or even detained by the customs service.

To obtain such a document, it is necessary to submit an application via the official site of China and provide some basic information on the manufacturing facility, the type of food, and food safety and hygiene. As soon as the application is accepted, a unique GACC registration number is issued. It should be marked on the packaging of the exported food products.

Who Needs GACC Registration in India?

GACC registration is required for Indian businesses that manufacture, process, or export certain food products to China. According to the import regulations of the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), overseas food manufacturers must be registered with Chinese customs authorities before their products can enter the Chinese market.

The following businesses in India typically require GACC registration:

Food Manufacturers and Processors

Indian companies that manufacture or process food products such as packaged foods, snacks, beverages, spices, and processed food items must obtain GACC registration if they plan to export these products to China.

Seafood and Aquatic Product Exporters

Businesses exporting fish, shrimp, crab, or other aquatic products must ensure their manufacturing or processing facilities are registered with GACC before shipping products to China.

Meat and Poultry Exporters

Exporters dealing with meat, poultry, and related processed products are also required to complete GACC registration to comply with Chinese import regulations.

Dairy Product Manufacturers

Manufacturers of milk, cheese, butter, and other dairy products must register their production facilities with GACC before exporting these products to China.

Agricultural and Plant-Based Food Exporters

Companies exporting products such as tea, grains, nuts, spices, fruits, and other plant-based food items may also need GACC registration depending on the product category.

If your business plans to export food products to China, completing GACC registration is an important step to ensure compliance with Chinese import regulations and smooth customs clearance.

Product Categories That Need GACC Registration

Under the regulations issued by the General Administration of Customs of China, overseas manufacturers exporting certain food products to China must register their facilities before exporting. The following product categories generally require GACC registration.

Product Category	Examples	Notes
Meat and Meat Products	Frozen meat, processed meat, sausages, canned meat	Requires approval through the exporting country’s authority
Aquatic Products	Fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, seafood products	Processing plants must meet Chinese hygiene standards
Dairy Products	Milk powder, cheese, butter, yogurt	Strict quality and safety compliance required
Bird’s Nest and Bird’s Nest Products	Raw or processed edible bird’s nest	Must meet China inspection requirements
Bee Products	Honey, royal jelly, beeswax	Subject to residue and contamination checks
Eggs and Egg Products	Liquid eggs, dried egg powder, processed egg items	Must follow food safety and traceability rules
Edible Oils and Fats	Vegetable oil, palm oil, olive oil, animal fats	Production facilities must be registered
Stuffed Wheat Products	Dumplings, buns, stuffed pastries	Must meet Chinese food processing standards
Edible Grains	Rice, wheat, barley, corn	Must comply with plant quarantine rules
Grain Milling Products	Flour, starch, semolina	Production facility registration required
Malt	Malt used in brewing or food production	Must comply with processing standards
Fresh and Dehydrated Vegetables	Fresh vegetables, dried vegetables	Phytosanitary certification may be required
Dried Beans	Lentils, chickpeas, peas, pulses	Must meet quarantine inspection rules
Seasonings	Spices, sauces, condiments	Ingredient disclosure required
Nuts and Seeds	Almonds, pistachios, walnuts, sunflower seeds	Subject to quality and contamination checks
Dried Fruits	Raisins, dates, dried mango	Must meet hygiene and processing standards
Coffee and Cocoa Beans	Raw coffee beans, cocoa beans	Inspection may be required for contaminants
Special Dietary Foods	Infant food, medical nutrition foods	Strict safety and labeling compliance

Documents Required for GACC Registration

Businesses applying for GACC registration must submit specific documents to the General Administration of Customs of China through the official registration system. These documents help verify the manufacturer, product safety standards, and compliance with Chinese import regulations.

The commonly required documents include:

Business Registration Documents

A valid company registration certificate or incorporation document issued by the relevant authority in India.

Manufacturing License

A valid license that allows the company to manufacture or process food products in India.

Import Export Code (IEC)

The Import Export Code (IEC) issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, which is mandatory for exporting goods from India.

Food Safety Certification

Food safety certificates such as FSSAI license or other relevant quality certifications demonstrating compliance with food safety standards.

Product Details

Information about the products being exported, including product name, ingredients, manufacturing process, and packaging details.

Label Information

Product label design and packaging details showing compliance with Chinese labeling requirements.

Facility Information

Details about the manufacturing or processing facility, including address, layout, production capacity, and hygiene practices.

Quality Control and Safety System Documents

Documents showing the company’s food safety management system, testing procedures, and quality assurance practices.

Authorization Letter

If a consultant or third party is submitting the application, an authorization letter from the company may also be required.

Note

The exact documents may vary depending on the product category and registration method required by the General Administration of Customs of China.

GACC Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Businesses that want to export certain food products to China must register their manufacturing facilities with the General Administration of Customs of China. The registration process generally involves the following steps:

1. Determine Eligibility

The first step is to identify whether your product category requires GACC registration. Food manufacturers and exporters must check if their products fall under the regulated categories before applying.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Applicants must gather all necessary documents, including business registration certificates, food safety licenses, product details, and facility information. Accurate documentation helps avoid delays during the review process.

3. Create Account on the CIFER System

The applicant must register on the official China Import Food Enterprise Registration (CIFER) online portal and create a company account to start the application process.

4. Submit the Online Application

The company must complete the online application form and upload all required documents through the CIFER system. The application includes details about the manufacturing facility, products, and food safety management system.

5. Application Review by Chinese Authorities

The General Administration of Customs of China reviews the submitted application and may request additional information or clarification if required.

6. Approval and GACC Registration Number

Once the application is approved, the manufacturer receives a GACC registration number, which must be displayed on product packaging and used for exporting goods to China.

7. Ongoing Compliance

After registration, businesses must maintain compliance with Chinese food safety regulations, labeling requirements, and product traceability rules when exporting to China.

GACC Registration Fees

The official registration with the General Administration of Customs of China does not usually involve a direct government application fee. However, businesses may incur costs related to documentation preparation, compliance checks, translation of documents, and professional consultancy services.

The total cost of GACC registration can vary depending on:

Type of food product being exported
Complexity of the application
Documentation and compliance requirements
Professional service assistance

Companies often choose professional support to ensure the application is submitted correctly and approved without delays.

Validity of GACC Registration

Once approved by the General Administration of Customs of China, the GACC registration is generally valid for 5 years. During this period, the registered manufacturer is allowed to export approved products to China.

The assigned GACC registration number must be displayed on product packaging or labels when exporting goods to China.

GACC Registration Renewal

Businesses must renew their GACC registration before the expiry date to continue exporting products to China without interruption.

Key points about renewal:

Renewal should typically be applied for 3–6 months before the registration expires.
Updated documents and compliance information may be required during renewal.
The renewal application is submitted through the CIFER online registration system.
Chinese authorities review the application before extending the registration validity.

Timely renewal helps exporters avoid shipment delays, customs issues, or export restrictions.

Need Help with GACC Registration?
Get expert assistance with GACC registration for exporting food products to China. Our compliance specialists handle the entire process—from documentation to approval—so your business stays fully compliant with the requirements of the General Administration of Customs of China.

📞 Call: +91-7065883416
📧 Email: support@psrcompliance.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Starting in 2022, the GACC registration number for manufacturers will change. The format will move from 10 digits to 18 digits.

For example, it will look like this: CTHA 24022110201234. The first letters indicate the country code. You must display this new 18-digit GACC registration number on the Chinese labels of imported food products.

The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) is the main customs authority in the country. It plays an important role in border control and regulation.

To export food and beverage products to China, overseas manufacturers must register with the GACC. Starting January 1, 2022, Chinese importers must show the GACC registration number to customs officials to clear their goods.